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“Both Should’ve Been Suspended”: Charles Barkley Defends Nikola Jokic Over Fight With Markieff Morris

Published 11/10/2021, 9:11 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The entire NBA fraternity has been going berserk over the recent spat between Nikola Jokic and Markieff Morris. In the Denver Nuggets’ game against the Miami Heat, things got heated in the course of the match. The man eventually had to be separated, after an ugly physical exchange. Responding to the uncalled for event, Charles Barkley has come in support of Jokic.

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The action unfolded in the fourth quarter of the game. Deep into the titanic tussle, the Nuggets had nearly sealed victory. As 3-time All-star Jokic entered opposition territory, 32-year-old Markieff Morris made a rather physical foul on his counterpart. Frustrated with the manner in which he was fouled, the European giant shoved Morris from behind in a devastating manner, flooring him in the process. Both players were reprimanded for their actions, but Jokic suffered more.

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Charles Barkley comes in defense of Nikola Jokic after suspension

Following the incident, Jimmy Butler openly issued a challenge to the Serbian to fight him. In addition, Markieff’s brother Marcus came in support of his sibling, which invited Nikola’s powerhouse brothers to Twitter, in order to back their blood. In the aftermath of what happened, Jokic was suspended for a game, without pay. This would cost him approximately $300,000. In comparison, Morris, who initiated the altercation, was fined $50,000.

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Coming in support of Jokic, Sixers legend ‘Chuck’ has said Morris also deserved a suspension. “Yes, both of them should’ve been suspended,” claimed the 11-time All-star on ESPN. “Earnie, we’re all grown men. I know we’re trying to set an example, all that bs. That dude just hit him for no reason. You have the right to defend yourself. If I hit somebody, they have the right to hit me back. I can’t hit somebody and get mad when they hit me back. That makes zero sense to me. They both should’ve been suspended.”

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As the world continues to be divided over the fight, Barkley has firmly asserted that Morris is just as much at fault as Jokic. Whose side are you on? Are we going to see the Jokic brothers vs the Morris brothers?

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Written by:

Sankalp Harikrishnan

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Sankalp Harikrishnan is an NBA and Tennis writer at EssentiallySports. He aspires to pursue Sports Journalism and has represented his institution in cricket, badminton, football and table tennis. Sankalp idolises Roger Federer and Stephen Curry, and has an inherent love for statistics.
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